6 Celebrity Moms Who Own or Have Owned Sports Franchises

Owning a professional sports team is often seen as a coveted investment. The untapped revenue potential of the business of sports is a market that most wish they could break into. Although there is no guarantee whether a sports team is a losing or winning bet, we’re certain these 6 famous moms invested with the latter thought in mind.

Photo Credit: Jamie McCarthy/NBC

1. Jennifer Lopez – In 2009, Lopez and her then-husband, Mark Anthony jumped on the bandwagon and also bought a small piece of the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins’ ownership group is led by Stephen Ross and not only includes part-owners Fergie, Gloria Estefan, Lopez and Anthony, but Jimmy Buffett, and Venus and Serena Williams.
2. Fergie – In 2009, the Black Eyed Peas singer bought a small stake in the Miami Dolphins.  In a 2011 interview the 39-year-old said, “The loudest one in the sports bar would be me, screaming, talking smack, always in my jersey, always a Dolphins fan… I jumped at the chance to become a minority owner. It’s a dream come true.”
3. Gloria Estefan – Gloria Estefan and her husband, Emillio, also became a minority owner of the Miami Dolphins.  In a news conference back in 2009 the singer expressed sentiments for both she and her husband. “We are thrilled to be a part of our hometown team.”  She added that she had been a “hardcore” fan since the Dolphins’ unbeaten season in 1972.
4. Sheila Johnson – The BET co-founder and ex-wife of Robert L. Johnson, was the first black female owner or partner in three professional sports franchises: the Washington Capitals (NHL), the Washington Wizards (NBA), and the Washington Mystics (WNBA).
5. Georgia Frontiere – Frontiere was the majority owner and chairman of the St. Louis Rams football team and the most prominent female owner in a league historically dominated by males.  The former Today Show host owned the team until her death in 2008.
6. Jada Pinkett-Smith – In 2011, Pinkett-Smith and her husband, Will Smith, bought a piece of the Philadelphia 76ers. Smith, who was born and raised in Philadelphia, along with Pinkett-Smith were among a collective group of investors.